Archeologists find evidence supporting Biblical Goliath

Jerusalem, Israel, Nov 11, 2005 / 12:00 am (CNA).- Archeologists near Jerusalem have made a significant discovery which lends historical credence to the Old Testament story of David and Goliath.

A piece of pottery was unearthed at the speculated site of Goliath’s house at Tel es-Safi, an area in southern Israel, bearing an inscription with his name. The site is thought to be the location of the ancient Philistine city of Gath.

While scientists admit the finding does not prove Goliath’s existence, it does lend new historical credibility to the oft-told Bible story.

According to the Associated Press, Dr. Aren Maeir, a professor at Bar-Ilan University and the excavation‘s director said, "What this means is that at the time there were people there named Goliath…It shows us that David and Goliath's story reflects the cultural reality of the time."

According to the famous underdog tale, recorded in the book of 1 Samuel, David, a lowly shepherd who would become Israel’s king, slew the Philistine giant Goliath--who was said to have wreaked havoc on, and provoked the people of Israel--with a slingshot.

Israel and the Philistines were engaged in a brutal war at the time.

Archeologists say that the newfound pottery dates back to somewhere around 950 BC, putting it within 70 years of the story as recorded. This also makes it the oldest Philistine inscription ever unearthed.